History and Politics

"This three-year degree enables you to build the skills valued by employers across a range of sectors, while exploring the human condition from the middle ages to the present.

History and Politics explores how historical events directly influence global politics. Your studies will span medieval, early modern and modern periods, covering British, Welsh, European, American and World history and politics.

Across this course you can choose from wide ranging themes and modules. These include studies in gender, heritage, political thought and political institutions, medicine, health and disability, war, violence and peace. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a dissertation in your final year.

Based on our stunning Singleton Park Campus overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula, Swansea is a perfect gateway to the medieval past. Within a short journey are magnificent castles such as Pembroke and Manorbier, as well as medieval churches and fortresses in the Gower.

You will have the opportunity to study the past outside of the lecture hall and the library, through field trips and study trip modules and apply your knowledge in a work placement which will help you prepare for graduate life. You can also choose to spend a semester to study abroad for a semester with one of our many partners in Asia or North America.

Teaching is informed by a vibrant and supportive research environment of academics, students and visiting scholars. You will also have the opportunity to be a part of the wider university clubs and societies including the History Society and Politics and International Relations Society, both of which organise social events and cultural activities.

You will develop effective oral and writing skills through presenting ideas in different formats, supported by strong research and analysis skills. Our graduates go on to work in a wide range of sectors including education, media and public relations, heritage and museums, business and management, law, and public services.

Politics at Swansea is ranked:
Top 10 in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2025)
Top 10 in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2025)

History at Swansea is ranked:
Top 15 in the UK for Student Experience (Times Good University Guide 2025)

Course Modules

"Your first year will include a mixture of compulsory and optional modules, with examples of compulsory modules from recent years including:
• Making History
• Politics and the People
• Introduction to Politics

Your second year will include a mixture of compulsory and optional modules, with examples of compulsory modules from recent years including:
• The State and Political Institutions
• The Practice of History
• The History of Political Thought

Your third year is mostly made up of optional modules, allowing you to shape your own learning. Module choices can include:
• Monarchy: Ancient and Medieval
• History on Screen: Television, Cinema and Gaming
• Capitalism and Justice

Your final year will also include a compulsory independent dissertation project.

For the full programme structure and module breakdown, please visit our webpage at www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/culture-communication/history/ba-history-politics

We offer a variety of assessment methods within our programmes. In addition to traditional examinations and essays, examples of alternative assessment include:

• Source Analysis
• Debate
• Presentations (solo & group)

Throughout your undergraduate BA History degree, you will develop excellent research and analytical skills and learn to present your ideas effectively both verbally and in writing. For full breakdown of course structure and assessment please visit our course page https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/culture-communication/history/ba-history-politics/
or get in touch with us at study@swansea.ac.uk